Holiday Tips and Recipes for Dietary Sensitivities
Are you cooking for loved ones with dietary restrictions or special eating requirements this year? Are you dealing with food sensitivities, and worried about your holiday gatherings? It can be tricky to know what to make, and how to talk to your guests or hosts about food sensitivities. But with a little planning and communication, you can enjoy the gathering and many of the season’s delicious flavors.
Tips
Before you roll up your sleeves and start cooking, we encourage you to check out these articles, which provide great advice on everything from communicating with guests to selecting the right ingredients:
Food Network: Be a Better Host: Cooking for Guests with Food Allergies
Whole Foods: Food Allergies and the Holidays
CNN: Navigating the Holidays with Food Allergies
Recipes
While we can’t provide recipes for all dietary sensitivities here, we know most traditional holiday meals can be tough on those who are avoiding gluten, dairy, or meat. So below are some ideas in case you’re cooking for someone with gluten or dairy sensitivities, or any vegetarians or vegans.
Gluten-Free
Seasonal and Savory: Greek Stuffed Mushrooms
The Kitchn: How to Make Guten-Free Gravy
Eating Well: Herb Roasted Turkey
Serious Eats: How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Stuffing
Whole Foods: Brown Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Apricots
Cooking Light: Potato and Leek Gratin
Elana’s Pantry: Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies (also dairy-free)
Elana’s Pantry: Paleo Pumpkin Pie (also dairy-free)
Vegetarian and Vegan
Cooking Light: Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Food & Wine: Roasted Delicata Squash with Quinoa Salad
VegKitchen: Classic Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
Martha Stewart: Pumpkin Pasta
Simple Vegan Blog: Vegan Christmas Salad
SkinnyTaste: Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Kitchen Treaty: Vegetarian Onion Gravy
Dairy-Free
Detoxinista: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Food Network: Ellie Krieger’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Whole Foods: How to Cook Dairy- and Gluten-Free Gravy
Elana’s Pantry: Cinnamon-Apple Tart with Pecan Crust (also gluten-free)
Diethood: Lightened up Green Bean Casserole
Go Dairy Free: Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole (Also nut- and gluten-free)
Golden Barrel: Paleo Gingersnaps (also gluten-free)
We hope that these recipes help you and your favorite people enjoy all of the flavors of the holiday. And we encourage all readers to keep an open mind about trying new, health-conscious twists on classic holiday dishes. You never know; perhaps one of these recipes will even become a new favorite!
Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice. We understand that food allergies can be very serious, and we believe it’s best not to make assumptions when cooking for those who may have dietary sensitivities. We encourage you to talk with your guests or hosts before preparing and serving holiday foods to find out more about their needs.